Please read through our rules and guidelines before signing your application at the end of this packet.  Failure to observe these rules may result in suspension and/or probation from the FTFM.

Vendors are reviewed each year. Although returning vendors may have priority in the application process, previous market participation in the market does not guarantee placement for our 2024 season.

It is important to note that when considering space allotment, we first support the local farmers/ third party sellers. Second, we support non-farmer vendors (producers) who demonstrate a commitment to local homemade production with products made in the area.  Third, we may choose to support local artisans, musicians, and craft makers. Fourth, we may choose to support food trucks to enhance the environment by providing dinner options to attendees. Finally, on a case-by-case basis, we support businesses whose mission is to showcase and enhance the community by providing programs via education about health, gardening, sustainability, and children's enrichment. 

Please note: The Farmers Market Board has full discretion on choosing vendors based upon our own market research.  We are careful to provide balance for our customers.  All applications, whether from returning or new vendors, are processed by our vendor review committee. Upon approval, new vendors will be accepted on a 4 week trial basis to ensure that our market is a good fit for their company. 

When completing the application, vendors must identify which category they are in, based on the definitions below.  

Vendors/Fee Schedule

Annual Fee $360 (April-November). This may be broken into 2 payments of $180. The first payment is due before the market begins, and the second payment is due before August 1, 2024.

Monthly fee $60 (3+ months), total due before the first market.

Weekly Fee $25 (Individual weeks).

Farmer: Must grow and sell his/her own product or meat and may co-op with other farmers with market manager approval.

Each market the farmer must identify the following in their booth: located in KY vs other states, who they co-op with, and their products.

Third Party Seller:  You do not grow or make your own product; however you sell local products grown on a farm from within a 60 mile radius.  You must disclose the farm location and products via a sign in your booth. The FTFM will not allow produce/ items sold from wholesalers - the result of selling may have you removed from the market.   

Producer: All producers must meet Kentucky Health Department requirements.

Rules of Operation/Product and Sales Regulations

• The 2024 Fort Thomas Farmers Market season begins at the Fort Thomas Mess Hall in Tower Park (801 Cochran Avenue, Fort Thomas, KY) on Wednesday, April 10, and will end on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. There is no market on November 27. 

• All vendors must stay open until the end of the market. No tearing down or leaving early unless decided differently by the market manager. 

• For outside markets, vendors must supply their own tents, signage, tables, chairs, garbage cans, and a minimum of 80lbs of weights for tents (20lbs per leg).

• Electricity is provided on a limited basis and assigned by the market committee. Vendors must bring their own 100ft, 12 gauge extension cords. 

• All vendors must be in compliance with all local, state, and federal requirements, such as permits and licensing. Licensing and permits must be submitted to the market manager before you begin vending at the market. This includes licensing, insurance, and permits.

• Items sold will be limited to agricultural and horticultural products including ornamental and vegetable plants, fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, honey, and other value-added processed products.  Items must be approved by the market manager. If a vendor would like to add additional items throughout the season they must contact the market manger.

• Selling of other goods will be permitted, as outlined in the vendor categories.  Integrity is important to our market. Anyone not meeting these requirements may be asked to leave the market 

• The market manager reserves the right to inspect or spot-check any farm records or growing sites as necessary to ensure items being sold are grown in the stated area.

• Produce and plants offered for sale must be grown, harvested, and cared for post-harvest to ensure customers receive quality produce.  Vendors may be asked to remove deteriorated produce or plants.

• All vendors must display a sign, in a visible location, which identifies the name of the person or farm/business growing or making items sold at the market.  All prices must be clearly displayed.

• If vendors sell produce or other items by weight, they must have a certified legal produce scale for weighing items. The Market will not provide a scale for vendors.

• Vendors selling non-food items must charge sales tax unless they have signs displaying stating “Sales Tax included.” 

• FTFM Participates in USDA Food Nutrition Incentive programs, including SNAP and KDD Double Dollars. Users purchase qualifying goods with tokens and vendors will be reimbursed through checks. All vendors must agree to cooperate in these programs.

Space Designation and Assignment

• Vendor spaces will be located at the Mess Hall in Tower Park (801 Cochran Avenue, Fort Thomas, KY) in Tower Park. We are hoping to remain outside until sometime in October.

• Spots for vendors will be assigned by the market manager.  Spaces are not considered reserved until an application is received and fees are paid in full.

• Vendors will be limited to a maximum of two reserved spaces per individual business or farm unless the Market Manager grants an exception. 

• Families or businesses will be considered as one vendor unless they operate separate operations on separate locations with separate tax returns.

• Timely arrival is critical for a smooth and successful day at the market. All vendors must be present at least 30 minutes before opening and must be set up and ready to sell by 2:45. The market manager will determine if space is available to anyone arriving late. Late arrival (after 2:30) to the market will result in a verbal reminder at the first occurrence. A final reminder will be issued upon a second occurrence. Any subsequent late arrival may result in the vendor being suspended for the remainder of the season.

• For outdoor markets: Once your vehicle is parked in place, the motor must be turned off and kept off.  Use a quiet generator if refrigeration is necessary.  A very limited number of power outlets are available.

• If you cannot attend the market according to your rental agreement, notice must be given 24 hours in advance to the market manager who may find a vendor with a substitute product for that particular day.  

• Space assignments and rental agreements for the FTFM are not transferable. Space assignments are subject to change at the discretion of the market manager.  

• Vendors are asked on the honor system to report daily income by turning in an income slip at the following week’s market. We use this information to help us secure funding. 

• The FTFM is intended to provide a positive contribution to the community.  Vendors are expected to exhibit a courteous, positive, honest, and helpful attitude toward fellow vendors, customers, and the FTFM management. Disagreements with other growers, market staff, and customers must be handled respectfully. ALL CONCERNS regarding disagreements must be submitted in writing.  Failure to adhere to the principles may result in suspension or termination of the vendor’s privilege to sell at the FTFM. 

• Each week vendors are asked to make donations of food to support the musicians.  This is not required but is encouraged.   

Insurance

• All Vendors are required to have a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance. Certificates of required insurance must be presented to the market manager prior to selling at the market.  All vendors will comply with Kentucky Revised Statute and Kentucky regulations.

Appearance and Conduct/Miscellaneous

• All vendor requests/needs must be denoted on the application.  The market manager will try to accommodate requests, however this is not guaranteed. 

• Vendors will be responsible for cleaning their area.  Any complaints of a vendor not cleaning their area shall be brought to the attention of the market manager.

• Vendors will be neat, suitably dressed, and deal with the public and fellow vendors in a courteous and appropriate manner.

• All complaints will be brought to the market manager.

• All vendors will display their products neatly and attractively, with consideration for the other vendors and the general public.

• Vendors are responsible for their booths, must supply their own necessary trash containers, and leave the site clean and in a condition acceptable to the market manager and property owner.  This includes the removal of trash containers and other waste and trimmings before leaving the market.

• Vendors will in no way cause detriment to other vendors.

• False advertising is prohibited.

• All members must comply with all local, state and federal laws, label, food safety, and handling regulations. If scales are used, they must be certified as accurate by the Division of Weights and Measures of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

• While families are certainly encouraged to work together, parents must maintain control of their children.

• All checks, insurance paperwork, and license paperwork should be sent to Tiffany Tomeo, City of Fort Thomas, 950 S. Fort Thomas Ave; Fort Thomas, KY 41075.

• If a vendor is causing discord among the vendors or the public, that vendor may be asked to leave.  

• Any vendor not in compliance with the regulations of this market shall be issued the following by market management:

• First offense:  a written warning of non-compliance

• Second offense:  member will be suspended from selling for the remainder of the year.

• Absolutely no refund of fees to vendors who are not in compliance with these rules.

• Market members agree to release and hold harmless Fort Thomas Renaissance and the City of Fort Thomas from all claims related to or arising from such membership, as a condition of membership.

• Market management reserves the right to prohibit anyone from selling goods or products at the Market.  

• Market management’s decisions are final.

• Market management may modify these rules at any time at their discretion. Notice of such amendments will be in writing and emailed to the address provided by the vendor on the application.

• It is the vendor’s responsibility to notify the Market of any updates to the business contact information.

• The market manager must agree to each vendor’s method of set-up including entrance and exit.

Amendments to the above agreement can be made by the Market Manager at her/his discretion and as needed.  Failure to abide by the above terms may result in expulsion from the FTFM, with no refund of space rental payments.

Applications submitted before February 15, 2024, will be responded to by February 20. Applications submitted after February 15 will receive a response within 10 business days.